Dental Implants Treatment in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Washington, DC
Replacing broken and missing teeth can give you more than just a pretty smile. It can improve your quality of life! Affordable dental implants may provide a permanent and natural-looking choice for missing teeth. Modern dental implants feel and function like real teeth.
Dental implants not only replace missing teeth, they also help support dentures and dental bridges. Our office can provide tooth replacement options if you are missing teeth as a result of trauma, a congenital defect, periodontal disease, or decay.
“Proper diagnosis and treatment planning are at the heart of a successful dental implant procedure.” – Dr. Cobb
Dr. Cobb works with the leading oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and periodontists in the Washington D.C. area. He will make sure each patient gets the best results. He will be with you from start to finish.
We also partner with specialists and surgeons certified by The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for key aspects of the procedure. Their expertise in placing implants means that the patient will receive the highest level of care possible.
Getting Dental Implants at Chevy Chase Digital Dentistry
The first step is a consultation and comprehensive examination with Dr. Cobb. Using the latest software, including digital radiography and 3D bone scans, Dr. Cobb is able to get a precise look at what is going on inside your mouth and bone structure.
Next, Dr. Cobb will create a specific treatment plan that involves an oral surgeon or other specialists. Using digital imaging, computer modeling, and wax models, Dr. Cobb is able to illustrate to the patient how the proposed treatment will look and function. Then, we will send plans to the dental laboratory which will fabricate the surgical guides and final prosthesis.
After receiving the final prosthesis, it is ready for permanent implant placement. However, before we can permanently attach the implant, we need to make sure your mouth is ready. We will have the patient see our trusted oral surgeon or periodontist for an exam.
There, they will remove any damaged teeth, conduct a bone graft if necessary, and prepare your jawbone for surgery. They will perform any treatments you need to prepare your mouth for the implants. Once your mouth heals, our doctor will install the dental implant in your mouth at our office.
The dental implant post is titanium and will naturally fuse with the living bone over three to four months. In some cases, the patient may be eligible to get an immediate provisional (temporary) tooth. Certain patients may receive their permanent restoration that same day.
Dr. Cobb will place the final restoration, either a dental crown or a prosthetic tooth (or teeth), at your next visit to our office. Schedule a consultation online when you are ready for dental implants.
Dental implants are particularly strong and gorgeous. They are an excellent choice for replacing teeth missing in the smile zone.
Is bone grafting necessary for dental implant treatment?
You may need a bone graft procedure if your jawbone is too soft or not thick enough to hold a dental implant. This is especially true for patients that are missing a full arch or all of their teeth.
Since the purpose of a dental implant is to provide an anchor for artificial teeth, we need to make sure the base of the anchor is strong and healthy. We perform bone grafting procedures prior to installing implants into your jawbone so that there will be enough healthy bone surrounding your implant for the best outcome.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which an oral surgeon transplants bone from another part of your body to your jaw. The purpose of this procedure is to repair or replace areas of missing, damaged, or diseased bone.
This surgery requires not only healing time but also significant time for waiting until enough bone has grown around the root before Dr. Cobb can stabilize it with a dental prosthetic. However, the end result is a beautiful dental prosthetic that will function like natural teeth and support your long-term oral health.
Building Better Smiles
What sets Dr. Cobb apart from other dentists is his experience and approach. With many hours of post-graduate training completed, Dr. Cobb logs many hours of continuing dental education each year.
In addition, he is a sustaining member of The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the first step towards accreditation with the AACD. What says the most about him are his patient’s testimonials and the results he has been able to achieve with them. Dr. Cobb received the award for Washington D.C.’s top dentists by Washingtonian magazine.
Post-Op Care for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth. However, they are not without their risks and complications. For example, one of the most common complications is that the implant will fail to integrate with your jawbone.
Fortunately, they are often more successful than other dental treatments and can last for decades if taken care of properly. Here are some tips on how to take care of your dental implants.
- Excess saliva can corrode the surface of the implant. So brush and floss your teeth regularly! Brush your teeth and gums with a dry toothbrush to remove excess food and plaque daily. Don’t brush too hard or for too long, as this can damage the implant by forcing bacteria into it. Thus causing inflammation of the gum tissue around it. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day. Brush your tongue to prevent bad breath too.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dry mouth, which contributes to dry gums and gum disease.
- Avoid drinking sugary drinks like sodas every day, as they can cause cavities and decay. Apply artificial sweeteners instead of sugar and use small amounts instead of using the entire packet or canister. Artificial sweeteners have lower concentrations than natural sugars, which means they don’t contribute as much to tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities over time.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Dr. Andrew Cobb is Washington, D.C’s expert implantologist. He provides quality dental care to each one of his patients. Request an appointment online with Dr. Cobb if you are looking to replace your missing teeth using high-quality dental implants. Visit our dental practice in Chevy Chase, MD today.
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